Gloucester centre Mark Atkinson announces retirement

Gloucester have announced that centre Mark Atkinson will retire from professional rugby with immediate effect.

The 34-year-old made his debut for Gloucester in 2014 and has went on to play 168 times for the Cherry and Whites since then.

His performances in Cherry & White led to call ups for the Barbarians and England, for whom he was capped against Tonga in 2021 and was awarded a testimonial year this year for his decade service to Gloucester Rugby.

Nevertheless, his career was cut off with a knee injury that he sustained last season and now will be taking up a role on matchdays and with the commercial team.

“Having to to retire from a sport I love has been very difficult. I felt optimistic at the start of the season that I was in a good place with my knee, but it became apparent quite quickly that a full recovery wasn’t on the cards," he told the club's official website.

“Like many players who suffer career-ending injuries, my priority is my family and being able to run around with my young daughter, Sydney. Following medical advice, it was clear that continuing playing wasn't an option, so in the end, the decision was taken out of my hands.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank my teammates who I’ve played with over my 10 years at Kingsholm. I’ve had many highs and some pretty low lows during that time and my teammates have been there for all of it. I’m very grateful to them."

Gloucester are positioned ninth in the Gallagher Premiership table with three wins from 12 matches.